Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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*This post was originally written in 3-17-2008. I wanted to re-post it for those of you looking for a fun way to celebrate this year My kiddos still talk about it.

Those tricky leprechauns somehow turned all the water in our faucets green this AM! The toilets flushed green water, too! It was a big mystery for a while but then the boys started to figure bits and pieces of it out. They guessed that the Leprechauns must have put green paint or something in the faucets. After a lot of fun and teasing I brought out the fizzy tablets from Steve Spangler that does this. They had fun mixing the colors…Carter did not know that yellow and blue make green…I just assumed he learned that in Kindergarten (maybe he was absent that day, lol). Connor remembered back to 4th grade where I taught him chromatography and made black with the primary colors. Thank you Leprechauns for the fun color reminder and for leaving us extra fizzy tabs to play with!

My Favorite Science Gifts

Oh my! I am such a slacker! A few weeks ago (ok, maybe more than a few) I received another AWESOME package from Steve Spangler Science full of goodies from their holiday gift guide.

Here is what was in my box when I opened it:

Galileo Thermometer & Barometer

I absolutely, positively love this. We have it set up in the living room. It came with great instructions on how to set it up. The kids are having a lot of fun comparing this to the digital weather station we have. I was really excited about it because we have long called Carter our little barometer as the weather change often sets off a shunt headache for him. We are using this to compare the changes with his headaches. Plus, it just looks so cool!

Mentos Geyser Tube

Steve also sent me over the new depth charge for the mentos geyser as well as the traditional release contraption he first came out with. We had a lot of fun with both but prefer the new depth charge one. It essentially sinks the mentos to the bottom for the explosion to start.

Air Burst Rockets

Incredibly high shooting rocket. It can fly 600 feet in the air. Need I say more? If there is a more perfect toy for boys, I don’t what it would be. We had to take it to the park around the corner. I didn’t get video of my kiddos with it but this one from the boys at Steve’s office is pretty amazing:

Boom Splat Kablooey – Klutz Book

This one is under the tree. Shhhh…….

Disclosure: As noted Steve Spangler Science provided me with these products to review at no charge. I do truly, truly love Steve Spangler Science which is why I write about them as I often as I do:)

New Mythbusters Science Kits

A few weeks ago the boys and I were poking around Borders and we spied some new science kits from Mythbusters. We all love Mythbusters in this family. It is one of the first shows that I recommend to homeschool families, especially ones with boys. It is no secret that I am a science geek but the messaging in Mythbusters is what I truly love. The show promotes the message that it is not only OK to make mistakes in science, but sometimes it is preferred. So many of our inventions have come from ‘mistakes’. But in a world where kids are constantly drilled the ‘right’ answer I fear we have created a generation of kids afraid to make mistakes. Public schools don’t have time to let kids figure things out on their own, so when they do have ’science’ they have to make sure that the kids get the ‘right’ answer all wrapped up in a 45 minute class period. Which of course, usually means spoon feeding them the answers. This is where we, as homeschoolers, have a real opportunity to change things for our kids. We can let them wonder, ponder, try, fail, leave it, come back to it, and try again as much as we like. It is precisely this reason that I love Mythbusters for showing kids that the way real scientists work. But, yet, I digress off on another tangent….

OK, so even with my love of Mythbusters, I was not about to shell $19.99 for a kit. So, I filed it away as something fun to look at later, when they went on sale! I was surprised that week when I got an email from Marie at Team Mom Media asking if she could send me one to review (funny how the universe does things like that) and I readily jumped.

She sent us the Weird World of Water kit. This is what the kit contains:


The kit contains most things you need for the experiments. The boys wanted to do this one:


which is essentially a bottle rocket but they were sad to find out I didn’t have any baking soda in the house. They settled on creating a vortex. I have done this one plenty of times in the classroom and surprised they had never done it in public school. It is so easy to do. You just take two 2-liter bottles and connect them together. You use a fancy little screw cap that comes in the kit (or you can buy for $5 at any teaching store).  I have even heard tale that duct taping them together real tight works. This is the effect of putting momentum on the top bottle (giving it a little swirl)

The boys were fascinated with it and kept it going for a while putting in glitter and then beads that came in the kit.

I promised them that I would go get baking soda so they can do the pantry rocket soon. So, would I recommend this? Yes! With the caveat that I think the price point is too high. The book is the best part of it and does a wonderful job explaining the concepts in true Mythbusters style. $9.99-$14.99 is probably a better price point so if you can find it on sale, go for it! I know Target, Walmart and ToysRUs are selling it as well as Borders. The age range of my boys was just about right (11 and 13). It is made for kids 9 and up. Just be sure to have baking soda on hand….

Steve Spangler Science

OK, I admit that I am a total science geek. Kid science though. Guess that explains the whole stint as a 4th grade science teacher So, I was beyond geeked when I found out that one of my twitter pals @colosciencemom worked for Steve Spangler Science. I was even more geeked when Steve and Susan asked me to come in and talk homeschool science with them last week.

I tried to play it cool but come on, the offices are so freakin’ fun I was like a kid in a candy shop. I mean where else can you go to work, get paid to blow things up, mail mannequin body parts to people for fun and decorate your space like this?

Steve is known as a “teacher’s teacher” and we had a very interesting conversation about teaching homeschool parents to be “cluster leaders”. Building off the theory that by teaching teachers and parents HOW TO TEACH science we are able to give our kids a much better experience, we brainstormed how best to reach out into the homeschool world. Steve had a great point that sometimes we do these really great little science tricks with the kids but they don’t really walk away with the lesson of how to use the scientific method- how to be curious about their world, test their hypothesis, learn that failing and retrying is not only OK but sometimes preferred.

Steve gave me some awesome experiments to do with the boys. We just did Jelly Marbles and Water Cubes and really worked through the scientific method with them. I will be posting that soon along with lots more in my homeschool science section.

One of the things I really like about Steve Spangler is that he truly loves what he does and is passionate about reaching the next generation of scientists.   His teacher training classes look amazing and are pretty break even for them. Apparently you leave with so many take home items. But I wonder even at a break even price, would YOU go to a one day bootcamp for around $200? I probably would, but am I in the minority here? What do you think? and did you know that you can sign up to get an email for the experiment of the week which USUALLY is stuff that you have in the house? Pretty cool, free way to get some fun science in your week.

Steve also asked me about the money we get from the state for homeschooling. I know that Nevada did not give any funds directly to parents and I am pretty sure that Colorado does not either (PLEASE correct me if I am wrong and tell me how to get it). Does your state? If they do, what do you spend it on?

I really want to know what you think so lets get the dialogue rolling!

Advanced Living Systems Lab/Cruise at Dana Point Ocean Institute

Explore the relationship between biotic and abiotic components of the marine ecosystem. This lab includes a fish dissection, water chemistry, aquarium science, and a study of the oceanic food chain. Aboard the R/V Sea Explorer students examine benthic and pelagic habitats by deploying oceanographic sampling equipment to collect a variety of marine specimens.

November 3rd 2008 – Advanced Living Systems Lab/Cruise
at Dana Point Ocean Institute

$50/person (includes drinks and snacks, bring lunch)

I am now able to open the ASFT registration to any interested persons (6th grade and above) who would like to join us onboard the R/V Sea Explorer. The “class” will be run at a high school science level, but adults and younger students (6th grade and above) may rotate thru the various activities at their own level/speed/interest. I only have a few openings, so please respond asap if you are interested.

For more information, please contact: Luv2hsmy3@yahoo.com

Operation: Resilient Planet

Last year I shared a little about the Jason Project and what an amazing, free resource this is to homeschoolers. So, I am very excited to pass on the information they sent me about their new free ecology curriculum.

Here is a little blurb about it but if you want to read more and register for free than hop on over to the Jason Project website and get started:

Operation: Resilient Planet takes students to Earth’s critical ecosystems to investigate nature’s strategies for regeneration, learn ecosystem management, and understand their responsibility for protecting our ecological future.

Research invasive species in Lake Michigan, snorkel with vibrant marine life in the Gulf of Mexico, examine the health of Chesapeake Bay, study near-pristine ecosystems in the Pacific Ocean, and help protect whales’ habitats in Massachusetts Bay.

Henderson Bird Preserve Activities

I just saw this posted on another group and thought I would pass it
on. We will probably try to catch at least one of these.

The Bird Viewing Preserve in Henderson is offering classes for homeschoolers.

BIRDING FOR HOMESCHOOLERS

Join the Bird Viewing Preserve staff for a fun series of classes about birds in the Las Vegas Valley. Certificate of completion
for students who attend all four classes. The programs will provide a fun learning experience for all age groups. Grades 1-12.

FEATHERS AND FLIGHT

Study what allows a bird to fly. Examine feathers and learn the aerodynamics of flight. For advance students, we will
discuss wing-shape and flight patterns as well as internal bird anatomy. In the field, observe what you have learned in the
classroom and begin your “life list”!
Feb 11 M 10:30-11:30 am $3 191006-63

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Learn the unique tools each bird utilizes for feeding, nest building and defense. Discover why some birds have long bills
and others have webbed feet. Younger students will enjoy an active game matching beaks and feet. Older students will be
introduced to ecological concepts of niche and competition. While visiting the ponds, observe what you have learned in
the classroom and add to your “life list.”
Mar 10 M 10:30-11:30 am $3 191007-63

BIRD BEHAVIOR

Unlock the mysteries of migration, molting and mating. Much of bird behavior is related to breeding. Learn the why’s,
when’s and where’s of migration. Learn how birds attract mates. Learn about nest building and egg production. Younger
students can attempt to “build” a nest and older students can dissect an egg. In the field look for early signs of spring
breeding behavior. Add to your “life list.”
Mar 24 M 10:30-11:30 am $3 191008-63

SEASON OF SONG

Learn the basics of bird communication. Bird calls and songs proclaim territories, warn of predators and identify a species.
Students will learn to distinguish several bird calls before going into the field to practice.
Apr 14 M 10:30-11:30 am $3 191009-63

http://www.cityofhenderson.com/parks/pdf/brochures/winter2007brochure/bird_prese\

rve.pdf

New Homeschool Guide to Project FeederWatch

Homeschool students across North America can learn about science and have fun while they count birds and record information that scientists need to understand the movements and abundance of feeder birds. Project FeederWatch, a citizen-science project from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada, is a perfect fit for the homeschool curriculum. The */Homeschooler’s Guide to Project FeederWatch/* is now available online at
http://www.feederwatch.org. This guide highlights specific ways Project FeederWatch can foster inquiry-based learning in math, science, art, and other disciplines.

Project FeederWatch focuses on something children are naturally interested in: birds. “Birds move, they come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, and they are easy to watch,” says project leader David Bonter.

For 20 years FeederWatch participants from all across North America have tallied the number and kinds of birds that visit their feeders between November and April. Scientists use the data to track where the birds are across the continent and how their numbers change through time. Some of
the most dramatic changes revealed by data collected over the last two decades may be related to changes in climate.

“We’re seeing hummingbirds much farther north than usual during the winter,” says Bonter. “Warblers, wrens, woodpeckers, and other insect-eaters are also lingering longer into the northern winter, possibly because of warmer temperatures. Bird-count data gathered in the coming years will really help us focus on these trends and what might be causing them.”

The curriculum is available to download for free at the Project FeederWatch web site. An annual participation fee of $15 ($12 for Lab of Ornithology members, $35 Canadian) covers the cost of the Project FeederWatch research kit, with useful materials for a homeschooling program, including instructions and a calendar that features bird photos taken by project participants. The fee also helps support web site development, participant support and education, and data analysis.

First-time participants receive a colorful poster to help them identify birds, and the /FeederWatch Handbook/, filled with information about bird feeding and the value of FeederWatch data. Participants also receive /Winter Bird Highlights/, featuring results from the project, and a subscription to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s newsletter, /BirdScope./ Canadian participants receive /BirdWatch Canada/ from Bird Studies Canada.

U.S. residents can sign up by calling (800) 843-2473 or by visiting http://www.feederwatch.org/. Canadian residents should call (888) 448-2473, or visit http://www.bsc-eoc.org/national/pfw.html.

Become a National Argonaut

I got this today from the Jason Project and thought I would pass it on. Wish my kids were old enough. This looks so cool!

Do you love exploration and discovery?
Apply today to become a National Argonaut!

The JASON Project is looking for energetic students and teachers to go into the field and work side-by-side with leading scientists from National Geographic Society, NASA, NOAA and other prestigious organizations.

Joined by video production crews, JASON Argonauts will conduct cutting-edge science, become featured in new curriculum used in classrooms worldwide and serve as science ambassadors at-large!

Your responsibilities will include:

An intensive week-long “Boot Camp” to prepare you for science fieldwork
An onsite expedition with world-class Host Researchers who are experts in the next curriculum topic: energy!
Refining and reviewing curriculum components such as videos, digital labs and Web site materials
Interacting with JASON students and teachers everywhere via speaking engagements, message board postings, Web casts, and podcasts
Mentoring other students and teachers and becoming a role model in the JASON community!
Apply early for the Argonaut competition! The application deadline is Monday, March 3, 2008 with selections announced in June. Students must be age 14 or 15 by June 1, 2008 and teachers should have five years of classroom experience to be eligible.

JASON Argonauts come from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Click here now to get started on the experience of a lifetime!

Learn More About JASON Argonauts!

Apply Now to Become a National Argonaut!

Operation: Monster Storms

Hooray! A new (FREE) online science curriculum is available through the National Geographic Society’s Jason Project. Operation: Monster Storms teaches kids how powerful storms form and what tools meteorologists use to predict the weather. The online curriculum is so well planned out with both a student and ‘teacher’ section. You can browse through individual activities or jump through the curriculum sequentially. This is such a great program that it is hard to believe this incredible resource is free for us to use! Go sign up for your account today!

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